Sunday, July 23, 2017

The completion rate in Dubai’s Parallel Roads Improvement Project - Phase 1 (Godolphin District) had reached as much as 85 per cent and all construction works under this Phase would be completed in the final quarter of 2017, said a top official.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) added that the two bridges crossing over the Dubai Water Canal had been accomplished.

Al Tayer made a statement to this effect during an inspection tour of work progress in the project, which comprises 2 phases costing about Dh1 billion ($272 million).

“The objective of the project is to mitigate the traffic density on the Sheikh Zayed Road (between Interchange 1 and 2) by 15 per cent. It provides additional entry/exit points to the Business Bay and Burj Khalifa District with a capacity to handle 20,000 vehicles per hour in both directions,” explained Al Tayer.

“It would also step up the capacity of the Meydan Road, and cut down the journey time between the Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road from 12 minutes to about 2.5 minutes. It would also provide a ramp for Meydan Property Development Project, and ease the pressure on the Financial Centre Road. The project entails the construction of bridges extending 5665 meters and underpasses running 2445 meters.

“Phase 1 of the Project, which costs about Dh578 million, encompasses the construction of a 3.5 km-long flyover comprising 3 lanes in each direction crossing over the Dubai Water Canal. The number of lanes increases to 5 in each direction above Godolphin Stables and Al Meydan Road up to Al Quoz Industrial Area. It also includes upgrading the existing junction of Al Meydan Road and Al Khail Road where flyovers will be constructed to provide left turns and ease the existing overlapping of traffic movement, which would reduce the congestion at the junction during peak hours. The project also includes the construction of a 2-lane bridge to serve the traffic inbound from Al Khail Road in the direction of Sharjah to Al Asayel Road up to the junction with Oud Metha Road.

“It also includes providing entry & exit points for Meydan Development Project. The Project also includes the construction of 4 tunnels extending 1150 meters (300 meters as covered tunnels and the rest open tunnels). It also includes improving & shifting the utility lines in the area as well as carrying out lighting and signage works,” he explained.

Phase 2:
In the second quarter of 2016, RTA started construction works in the Parallel Roads Project – Phase 2 at an estimated cost of Dh336 million. This Phase encompasses the improvement of the western part of the Parallel Roads between Al Meydan and the Financial Centre Roads across the Business Bay district. Lane capacity will range from 3 to 4 lanes in each direction, and service roads will be provided at both directions in most parts of the Project.

“The Project includes the construction of a 240-meter flyover at the intersection of Al Saada and Burj Khalifa Boulevard Roads, and a 535-meter tunnel at the intersection of Al Saada and Business Bay Roads. Works include a 500-meter bridge at the extension of Al Saada Road crossing over the Dubai Water Canal (completed with the opening of the Dubai Water Canal),” said Al Tayer.

“It also includes the construction of a 420-meter bridge at the intersection of Al Meydan and First Al Khail Roads, a 420-meter tunnel to ensure leftward turn from Al Saada Road to Al Meydan Road, and a 340-meter underpass for horses crossing at Dubai Stables. The project works include improving and shifting utility lines as well as lighting & signage works. Works in Phase 2 of the project are set for completion in mid of 2018.

“The Parallel Roads Project is one of the vital projects currently undertaken by the RTA to ease the congestion on Sheikh Zayed Road. This traffic corridor, which comprises 3 lanes in each direction, extends 108 kilometres from Sheikh Rashid Road in the north up to the entrance of Abu Dhabi. The project covers the construction of bridges and at-grade junctions at the intersections of parallel roads with the crossing roads extending 42 km. The entire project constitutes a traffic hub supporting the Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, and upon completion of all phases, it would ease the traffic movement in the area parallel to the Sheikh Zayed Road to the East,” added Al Tayer.

“RTA had completed several phases of the Project including a 5-km sector from Oud Metha up to the Business Bay, a 12.3-km sector from Al Meydan Road up to Hessa Road, and a 7-km sector from Hessa Road to Qarn Al Sabkha Road. It had also completed roads in a 10.7-km sector from Al Yalayis Road up to Al Maktoum International Airport,” he noted. – TradeArabia News Service